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What does it take to get your MMC software running? You’ll need to enter all the required information needed to get it started. These fields are things such as your NC programs, part number data, tooling information, fixture information, pallet information, and production information. Basically, you assign a part to a fixture, a fixture to a pallet, and create a production requirement. The MAS ensures that tools are present for the part and takes care of the rest.

All NC programs required to machine the parts are registered to the cell required. The programs are checked for tools required, and all subprograms are examined. Then the NC programs are transferred to the machines via high-speed transfer.

You enter a part number and associate it with an NC program or multiple NC programs. You also set the elements within the MMC that the part will have to visit in order to be produced. The first step is always to come to the work-setter to be clamped. Then typically to a machine, maybe back to the pallet storage, or maybe to another machine.

Tool resource data is where we know what tools are needed at the machine, after we scan through. When you enter the tools at the machine, the MAS uploads the data and associates it with the tools required. We know if the tool required is at the machine. In the case where a tool is missing, the software will route the part to a machine with the proper tooling. Or if the tool needed isn’t available on any machine, the software will put the part back into storage and start another part until the proper tooling is installed. Therefore, no time is wasted—even when there is a component missing.

Next, you enter your fixture data. The MAS and MMC system have a great deal of storage available. That way, typically all or most of your fixtures can be stored for when you need them. You enter the data of the fixture, such as how many faces, options, etc.

After that, you enter the pallet data. You need to tell the system what pallet you put the fixture on, and you can also enter comments, assign offset files, and other things.

The last step is to establish a production order. This is where you tell the system what part you want to make and how many, and give it a start date and a due date. You can also set a priority, so that when two orders are due on the same day, the system will choose whichever is at a higher priority.

After you launch your production order, the pallet will automatically bring a pallet to the work-setting station and a screen will pop up with instructions for the operator. A physical button is pressed to pull away the pallet.

After the part is made, the pallet is brought back to the operator with the unclamp instructions and details about the next part to be inserted and clamped up. In both of these cases, you can insert any kind of text, drawing, video, or HTML that can be displayed to assist the operator with clamping and unclamping the part.